Mixed martial arts fighter Julianna Peña, whose family hails from Venezuela, defends her place inside and outside the ring
MY AGE: 28 years old
EXTRACTION: Venezuelan
I LIVE IN: Chicago
I AM: A mixed martial arts fighter and Combate Americas commentator
MY DREAM: To be a commentator. “This is the best gift anyone could ever offer me.”
“I threw my first punch [at the age of 19] and haven’t looked back since,” says Julianna Peña, who will be one of the commentators during Combate Americas fights on November 11th, to be broadcast on Telemundo. “I was lucky enough to make a career out of it.”
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HER MOST LOYAL FAN BASE: HER FAMILY
[It’s not easy] when they see you getting pummeled in the face, especially being the baby in the family; my dad seeing his little girl beaned in the face, it’s not something that any parent wants to see for their kid. Once they realized I could make a career out of it, was passionate about it and was actually good, they were like: ‘We’ll support you.’
THE FEMININE SIDE TO MARTIAL ARTS
I get my nails done every two weeks like clockwork. And I’m very superstitious with my hair. I used to only have my sisters braid my hair [before stepping into the ring] and I would assume if my hair looks better than yours, I’m going to win the fight. If I’m not training, I’m wearing fake lashes; I’m into the Kim Kardashian contoured look. I love to do my hair and look pretty.
BEFORE STEPPING INSIDE THE RING
To get ready I go to the gym, glove up and start hitting my fighting partner. You have to eat healthier; I wake up, drink a protein shake, go to they gym to train, drink another shake. I eat salads, lean meats, vegetables. My cheat is a spoonful of peanut butter in the middle of the night.
FROM MARTIAL ARTS TO THE MICROPHONE
I’m extremely blessed because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I have the gift of gab and I could talk to a rock if given the chance. I love to talk about mixed martial arts… especially now that I’m pregnant and not going to be able to fight for a while.
BABY ON BOARD
I give birth on Jan 12 and I’m thrilled. I’ve always known that I was meant to be a mother. Now I’m gonna be fighting for my little baby